THE National Assembly, which has often been accused of being remote and detached from North Wales, is to have a presence in the area.

THE National Assembly, which has often been accused of being remote and detached from North Wales, is to have a presence in the area.

In January it is planned to open a visitor and exhibition centre in Colwyn Bay to inform the public about the Assembly's activities. A similar centre already exists within the Assembly building in Cardiff.

The Assembly's two regional co-ordinators in the north, currently based on St Asaph Business Park, will work from the new centre on Princes Drive, Colwyn Bay.

An Assembly spokeswoman said the staff will also include a researcher and an education officer to liaise with local schools who will be able to use the facilities.

"It was felt that we should have a centre in North Wales because it is the furthest point from Cardiff. It will bring the Assembly closer to the people," she said.

The information centre will be separate from the office development which the Assembly is planning for North Wales, which is expected to create hundreds of jobs. One department is going to Merthyr Tydfil and another to the north.

The location of the local office has not yet been decided, but one of the two sites being considered is the Abergele Technology Park, alongside the A55 Expressway.